KORANSHA Hand-Painted Couple's Rice Bowl Set | Authentic Japanese Arita Ware Bowl with Lid | Blue and White Porcelain Chrysanthemum Art Gift

The Story Behind This Piece:

Embraced by the rugged, majestic mountains of the Chugoku region, where winter blankets the landscape in a deep, peaceful silence of pristine snow, northern Hiroshima Prefecture serves as the setting for this magnificent chronicle. Here stands a grand, historic estate (kominka) belonging to a prominent, wealthy farming family that has preserved the local heritage, agricultural fields, and ancestral traditions for generations since the Edo period. Behind the main residence, constructed with massive dark wooden beams and traditional white plaster walls, stands a heavy, historic storehouse (kura) with thick, double-reinforced doors that have carefully shielded exceptional family treasures and high-end formal tableware used for generations to celebrate life's most auspicious occasions. It was from a traditional custom-made paulownia wooden box kept safely within the second floor of this storehouse in northern Hiroshima, breaking decades of quiet seclusion, that this KORANSHA Hand-Painted Gold and Cobalt Porcelain Covered Bowl Set emerged, retaining its breathtaking sapphire depth and shimmering pure gold decoration perfectly intact.

This magnificent couple's bowl set (meoto-jawan) made its journey into this grand traditional Japanese home during the 1970s and 1980s (the mid-to-late Showa period), an era when the Japanese people celebrated an exquisite cultural lifestyle, infusing their ancestral homes with sophisticated masterworks of modern craftsmanship. Handcrafted by Koransha, a legendary Arita-ware porcelain manufacturer holding a prestigious Royal Warrant from the Japanese Imperial Household Agency since the Meiji period, these pieces were painted through intensive traditional "handwork" (handwork) by master ceramic artists. The bold leaves adorning the bodies and lids feature Koransha's signature cobalt glaze—famous as "Koransha Ruri Blue"—applied with an advanced shading brush technique (dami) to create a watery, natural depth. The delicate leaf veins applied over the blue in pure gold, combined with the incredibly intricate crimson and gold Bishamon-Kikko (tortoiseshell geometric pattern) framing the rims, embody ancient Japanese prayers for eternal family prosperity and longevity. The lady of this northern Hiroshima estate was deeply devoted to the philosophy of Mingei (Japanese folk art) and cherished the warmth of handcrafted everyday objects, yet she also possessed an exceptional eye for the absolute zenith of traditional Japanese fine art. In the functional beauty and spiritual precision of this Koransha creation, she recognized the ultimate realization of Mingei values and chose it as a primary heirloom for her family's lineage.

During the Showa era, these glorious covered bowls radiated an incredible presence within the serene, shadow-filled spaces of the kominka, beautifully contrasting against the dark wooden pillars seasoned by years of hearth smoke that epitomized the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Reserved strictly for formal celebratory banquets such as New Year's Day, ancestral weddings, and longevity milestones, serving freshly cooked, steaming white rice beneath these beautiful porcelain lids created a majestic moment where Japan's rich culinary traditions and artistic sensibilities were profoundly felt. The incredibly subtle changes in the texture of the fine porcelain interior achieved through decades of careful preservation are not flaws, but rather the genuine patina of time—authentic marks of having shared in a family's history across the generations, expanding its unique narrative and sentimental value. However, as family dynamics shifted toward the end of the 20th century, these grand ancestral gatherings became less frequent, and by the early 1990s, this treasured set was carefully wrapped in delicate paper and entrusted once more to the absolute stillness of the storehouse. Decades later, in the modern era of Reiwa, a major archival opening of the storehouse was conducted to honor the home's historic legacy, bringing these Arita masterpieces back into the contemporary world.

Today, the value of this vintage Koransha covered bowl set extends far beyond that of ordinary antique tableware. Its perfectly balanced, fluidly rounded form, the majestic hand-applied gold decoration, and the pristine porcelain quality that softly reflects light allow these pieces to bring a dramatic, artistic accent to contemporary vintage-modern interiors, luxury minimalist tablescapes, and rustic farmhouse styles alike. Perfect for elevating your daily meals, presenting seasonal delicacies, or simply being displayed as a majestic centerpiece in a cabinet, its striking royal blue presence fills the room with profound elegance. We invite you to welcome this unique cross-cultural heritage—where Arita's imperial craftsmanship meets the timeless spirit of a historic Japanese estate—and make this extraordinary story a beautiful centerpiece in your daily rituals and special gatherings.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:
■Main Body (Large)
Height: 4.8 cm (1.89 in)
Base Diameter: 4.2 cm (1.65 in)
Rim Diameter: 12.5 cm (4.92 in)
Max Circumference: 39.4 cm (15.51 in)
Weight: 125 g (4.41 oz)
■Main Body (Small)
Height: 4.8 cm (1.89 in)
Base Diameter: 4.1 cm (1.61 in)
Rim Diameter: 11.7 cm (4.61 in)
Max Circumference: 36.9 cm (14.53 in)
Weight: 110 g (3.88 oz)
■Lid (Large)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.06 in)
Base Diameter: 4.0 cm (1.57 in)
Rim Diameter: 11.5 cm (4.53 in)
Max Circumference: 36.2 cm (14.25 in)
Weight: 80 g (2.82 oz)
■Lid (Small)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.06 in)
Base Diameter: 3.9 cm (1.54 in)
Rim Diameter: 10.8 cm (4.25 in)
Max Circumference: 34.2 cm (13.46 in)
Weight: 75 g (2.65 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.